28/09/2026
Breeding success, valuable bloodlines and new opportunities through OPU/ICSI 🧬
In our interview, breeder Mr Goeke shares his personal experience with OPU/ICSI and explains why he chose this path with Finess, the dam of V-Power. He talks about Finess’s special importance to his breeding programme, the positive results achieved so far and the exciting prospect of welcoming a full sibling to V-Power.
Read the full interview below. 👇
What originally prompted you to use OPU/ICSI with Finess, after already completing several ICSI sessions with her at Genetech Europe?
Finess was born in 2008 and, since 2012, has given me a foal almost every year.
Conventional embryo transfer initially worked well, but eventually, despite several attempts, we were no longer able to recover an embryo. That was the decisive reason for me to look into OPU/ICSI at Genetech Europe.
What convinced me above all was that, in my view, the procedure is gentler for Finess and considerably easier from an organisational perspective. Instead of having to take her out of her familiar environment for a longer period, I was able to take her straight home again after the short appointment. I am especially pleased with the results so far: two embryos have already been transferred - and both resulted in pregnancies.
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How did you experience the first OPU, and how do you think Finess experienced the treatment?
I had a very positive experience with the first OPU - both for Finess and for myself. The treatment was calm and straightforward. After the sedation, she was able to recover quietly, was completely fit again afterwards, and was back with her herd the very next morning.
It was particularly important to me that she was only away for a few hours and could return directly to her familiar surroundings. She was also relaxed and completely unfazed during the subsequent appointments.
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Based on your ICSI experience so far, what is your personal conclusion? Has your view of OPU/ICSI changed over time?
My conclusion is entirely positive. Two embryos have been transferred so far - and both resulted in pregnancies. Naturally, I am very pleased about that.
This has further reinforced my positive view of OPU/ICSI. Finess is now 18 years old but is still vital and healthy, so I deliberately wanted to make use of this opportunity.
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Finess is the dam of V-Power. What makes her so special to you as a broodmare, and what do you still hope to achieve with her as a breeder?
Finess is very special to me because she was born here on the farm and comes from a mare line that I have been following since the 1990s.
It all began with Francis, bred by my neighbour, Mr Schlüter. The line developed over several generations until Finess, by Fidertanz, was born in 2008. Even as a foal she impressed me so much that I knew I wanted to keep this mare for my breeding programme.
Finess has repeatedly confirmed that decision through her offspring. Her very first foal was the champion foal at a foal show. Regardless of the particular mating, she has consistently produced attractive, typey foals with strong movement. Offspring from this line have also achieved success in international sport.
V-Power is, of course, a particularly outstanding representative of the line and has ideal conditions for his further development with Ms Werth. My aim is to safeguard this valuable line for the long term with the help of OPU/ICSI and to breed further healthy, high-quality and athletically successful horses from Finess.
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In the current ICSI sessions with Finess, did you specifically try to produce a full sibling to V-Power?
Yes, that was very clearly my goal. The mating with Viva Gold has already convinced me several times. In addition to V-Power, I have a full sister born in 2021 who reached the final ring in Münster-Handorf in 2024. A full brother born in 2022 also showed the same exceptional elasticity and presence as V-Power when he was a foal, but sadly died at a young age.
That is why I deliberately wanted to repeat this successful combination in the current ICSI sessions.
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Have the ICSI sessions so far succeeded in producing a full brother or sister to V-Power? And what would such a foal mean to you personally and from a breeding perspective?
Yes, an embryo from the mating of Finess with Viva Gold has already established successfully, so we are expecting a full sibling to V-Power. I am very excited to see how this foal develops. Given the quality of both parents, I am convinced that something special could come from this mating.
For me personally, it would be a great joy and, from a breeding perspective, a valuable continuation of this successful combination.
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Looking back on your experience with OPU/ICSI so far, would you choose the same path with Finess again?
Yes, I would choose exactly the same path with Finess again at any time. The entire development, from beginning to end, has been very gratifying. Of course, luck is also part of a success story like this. But professional care, careful rearing and the cooperation of everyone involved are equally important.
For me, the most important thing is that the horses remain healthy and are able to continue developing at their own pace.
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What would you say to a breeder who is considering using OPU/ICSI with their mare for the first time?
Of course, every breeder has to make this decision individually for themselves and their mare. However, I would recommend seeking comprehensive advice and seriously considering OPU/ICSI.
In Finess's case, the decisive factor was that she had already produced very successful offspring, while breeding became more difficult as she got older. I therefore looked for an option that would make things easier for her. The entire process was very positive and straightforward for us. Finess continues to live healthily and confidently as the leader of her herd in my pasture.
Professional care and, above all, the mare's welfare are crucial. In the end, it is about being able to enjoy the horses and breeding for many years. For us, OPU/ICSI was therefore the right path.
